In organizations, mimicry is the highest form of flattery

As the reflection is to the mountain, the repeated message is to the speaker.

I take a lot of notes in meetings.  I write things down and frequently write up my notes and send them back to the attendees for their information and consideration.

Some people might find this behavior annoying or overboard but I don't care.  I feel like I get a ton of value out of writing things down and sending them back to people.  In fact as a project manager doing so is critical to success and managing risk.

A lot of times people really don't know what they think or what they're saying and having someone write down and repeat back to them what they heard, they are given the chance to correct or expand upon what they have said.  A relationship can form and a deeper discourse is possible.

The same is true for the spoken word.  In conversations with people, repeating back to them what you heard is a key and important part of effective communications.

People need to feel like there is very high clarity between what they're saying and putting out there.  Some people say, "Do you know what I mean?" or other phrases in order to verify that they're not crazy or way off base.

So next time you're in an important conversation, please play back what you have heard to the speaker to the best of your ability either using the spoken or written word; or both.  Build a community.